Chris Scurr has brought his passion for electric bikes to his hometown.
The Ladner resident has partnered up with Craig Perkins to launch the city’s first e-bike store.
E-Bike Canada opens May 15 with COVID-19 friendly test rides available for booking.
Scurr didn’t have to put too much thought into the location. The 2,500 square feet of retail space happens to be the bottom floor of his wife’s Royal Ocean Events business at Tilbury (Unit 11A 7228 Progress Way).
“We have our own building where we have been doing weddings for all the cruise ship companies for over 20 years,” explained Scurr, a long-time former Delta Chamber executive and a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal for his community work. “Normally we are doing about 6,000 weddings a year, but we have been furloughed for almost 18 months (because of COVID-19) with no cruises. I said to my wife why don’t we give back to the community we love with a healthy and enjoyable thing to do?”
Scurr was introduced to e-biking while vacationing in Mexico. It was two years ago he partnered up with Perkins, a North Vancouver resident, who had already launched an e-bike website that provides owners with videos and tips on a variety of subjects. The Tilbury store and website ebikecanada.com are part of C&C Electric Bike International’s commercial component.
Scurr adds the pandemic has only enhanced the popularity of e-bikes.
“Since COVID 19 people have wanted to get out and about and it’s a way to do it healthily,” he continued. “It’s great for people who want be able cycle further and not have stress and strain on their bodies, especially if you are a little older or want to go longer distances.
“The assistance the electric motor gives you is wonderful and it opens up a whole new world for people. That they didn’t know what they can have.”
E-Bike Canada will live up to its name by selling mainly Canadian-designed bikes that have been assembled in Burnaby and Calgary. The store is affiliated with HUB Cycling, a non-profit organization that has created a network for riders in Metro Vancouver.
Scurr added the store will also serve as an education centre for everything from riders’ safety to providing routes around Delta and beyond.
“E-bikes can be quite fast and if people don’t ride them well they can be a danger on trails,” he said. “We will safety and courtesy training courses. It will be online for now and eventually in a training room at the store.”
Scurr encourages anyone to come out to the store for a demo, starting May 15. Registration can be done on the website.
